North Haven resident Curtis Nesmith stated, “They are going to go all the way; there are no worries.”
The UConn men’s basketball team held a free open workout for the public Saturday afternoon at Gampel Pavillion.
The response was off the charts as Husky Nation showed up to get a first look at the team trying to win their third straight national championship.
The line was long outside Gampel around a half hour before the start of activities, proving that it doesn’t matter what the calendar says: UConn basketball is a yearlong commitment.
There are obviously high expectations for the players and coaches as they strive for immortality with three straight titles.
“They are going to go all the way there are no worries,” said Curtis Nesmith of North Haven.
“I’m already confident, but this will give me a better understanding,” said Rocco Lombardi of East Haven.
The new roster is dotted with veteran stars like Alex Karaban and Hassan Diarra as well as new faces who will contribute and guys who were on last year’s team that will have bigger roles for the upcoming season.
Coach Hurley said this practice was just like most of the others during the seven weeks of summer sessions. Players are expected to put in full effort and so are the coaches.
The practice starts and ends with Hurley’s input and participation as he demonstrates full control and responsibility for the program.
“From running the stairs after making mistakes that are unacceptable to just the authentic look at the pace the intensity of it. I think it was a good chance for the fans to see what the team looks like,” said Hurley.
There was an autograph signing period after practice, which is part of the name, image and likeness aspect of college athletics.
It’s a win-win for players and fans and just another sign of how dedicated the fan base is in the basketball capital of the world.
“Anytime is good they play good basketball, fun to watch, we get a chance to see free basketball it is free basketball because it’s free admission,” said Dave Rahr of Waterford.
There is one more week of summer workouts before a short break prior to the fall semester.
At this point of the process, Hurley believes this team is of course different, but right where the past two have been on the path toward competing for a national title.
“We’ve seen enough of this group to say we have the same goals we’ve been having and to put ourselves in the position to compete for the things we always compete for,” he said.
It’s expected the Huskies will raise its national championship banner November 6thagainst Sacred Heart.
